Visiting Mt Fuji is a must-do experience when you're in Tokyo, but most people only stop for the snap panoramic photos of the formidable beauty. On this Viator VIP tour, your knowledgeable local guide takes you not only to see the iconic mountain, but also to a Shinto shrine for an exclusive private talk with a priest. At Sengen Shrine, enjoy the unprecedented opportunity to listen to a resident priest share personal life stories and history. Your day trip to 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi includes lunch, snacks and sake with transport by train.

Highlights

Private Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo including exclusive talk with a resident priest at Sengen Shrine

What You Can Expect

After pickup from your Tokyo hotel by private vehicle, your guide will accompany you on the train to Mt Fuji. You'll stop at key viewing spots and enjoy great photo opportunities, taking in the splendid sights of Japan’s iconic peak as it looms closer from each point along the way.

Upon arrival, sip local tea and listen to your knowledgeable guide explain the history and cultural importance of the Mt Fuji region before driving by private vehicle to Sengen Shrine, located at the foot of the mountain. This spiritual and often-overlooked Shinto home marks the beginning of any traditional pilgrimage to the top of Mt Fuji, especially during the opening of the climbing season or summer fire festivals. At the shrine, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time speaking personally with the local priests, a unique and exclusive experience typically inaccessible to the public! (Please note that the availability of the priests will be confirmed upon booking.)

Amid this stunning setting, enjoy some local snacks unique to the area; your guide will ensure you taste the best food available. If you'd like, feel free to make offerings for a safe visit on the mountain (own expense). Then, drive by private car with your guide to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, located 7,546 feet (2,300 meters) above sea level. Referred to as the border between heaven and Earth, this stop features Japanese torii gates, shrines and stunning views of the mountain (if the weather cooperates).

Enjoy a delicious bowl of houtou — thick wheat noodles with vegetables in a broth — a specialty of the region. Try samples of traditional sweets and taste local sake. Then, head to Lake Kawaguchi, part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area around Mt Fuji. Hop on the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, a cable car that climbs 1,312 feet (400 meters) from the lake’s eastern shore to an observation deck where you’ll have panoramic views of Mt Fuji and the lake at sunset!

At the end of the day, your guide will transfer you back to the railway station and accompany you by express train back to Tokyo, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel by private vehicle.

Viator VIPs feature travel experiences not typically available to the general public — from behind-the-scenes access to private viewings and VIP service — at many of the world’s top attractions, often with no lines and no crowds. Viator VIP tours are not available from other 3rd-party online sellers.

This tour was one of the highlights of an amazing vacation.Although it is a longish day every moment was special.We felt so well cared for by both our guide and our driver in The Mt Fuji area.The train ride was fun and sometimes scenic during which our amazing guide Sylvia gave us history and information that enhanced the trip greatly.The mountain itself was spectacular and we lucked out with perfect weather.The views were amazing.My only comment is that the promised meeting with the monk was nothing like it was described in the brochure.Minor but worth noting.Although it was disappointing it in no way deterred from an amazing day that our incredible guide Sylvia provided for us.

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability

A minimum of 4 passengers per booking is required

Minimum age is 12 years. Passengers 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult

A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Moderate clothing is recommended for entry to temples and shrines; knees and shoulders must be covered

Access to Mt Fuji's 5th Station may be unavailable depending on weather conditions. Tour will ascend to the highest point allowed

Meeting with priests is subject to availability

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
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Local operator information

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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